Victorian Hairwork Collection Debuts at Morbid Anatomy Library in Brooklyn

A Fascinating Exhibition of Victorian Hairwork

On September 27, the Morbid Anatomy Library in Brooklyn, New York, will unveil a captivating collection of Victorian hairwork that showcases the artistry and sentimentality of the era. This unique exhibition features about 50 pieces, ranging from delicate necklace charms to elaborate wreaths displayed in ornate shadowboxes. Each piece is crafted from the hair of deceased loved ones, offering a poignant glimpse into the cultural practices surrounding grief and remembrance during the Victorian period—a time when death was a more visible part of life than it is today.

The Emotional Depth of Hairwork

Visitors will find the collection thoughtfully arranged across gallery walls and vitrines. Many pieces are accompanied by photographs and handwritten notes that reveal intimate details, such as names, hometowns, and dates of death. The sentiments expressed in these inscriptions can be deeply moving. You might encounter phrases like “In memory of my deeply mourned parents” and “I am waiting for you in heaven.” Such lines allow viewers to connect emotionally with the stories behind each piece, creating a reflective space for contemplation on loss and memory.

Hairwork was more than just a craft; it served as a tangible connection to loved ones lost. In the Victorian era, where social norms around mourning were rigid, creating keepsakes from hair symbolized both a personal and communal approach to grief. Each piece tells a story, and the emotional weight carried by these artifacts transcends time, making them relevant for contemporary audiences grappling with their own experiences of loss.

Artistry in Every Strand

The exquisitely crafted hairwork features hues that range from golden blond to deep charcoal, intricately shaped into motifs like flowers, foliage, butterflies, and crosses. These creations often include mixed media elements such as beads, metallic threads, ribbons, feathers, and even small fabric petals; each addition enriches the artistry of these keepsakes. The display is designed to evoke a haunting yet beautiful interaction. As museum-goers engage with these delicate tributes, they might even catch reflections of themselves within this tapestry of human emotion, merging the past with the present in a profoundly impactful way.

The Legacy of Leila’s Hair Museum

This notable collection has roots linking back to Leila’s Hair Museum in western Missouri, founded by Leila Cohoon, a hairdresser and hairdressing instructor who passed away in 2024. Cohoon dedicated her life to collecting hairwork antiques, amassing over 3,000 items since the 1950s. Her passion showcases the evolution of the craft and represents a significant chapter in the narrative of hairwork. It's a curious irony that these relics of grief and memory were nurtured by someone so adept at shaping outward beauty.

Her granddaughter, Lindsay Evans, has played an essential role in redistributing these heirlooms, donating portions of the original collection to various institutions across the nation, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Smithsonian. This distribution not only honors Cohoon’s legacy but also ensures these remarkable pieces find their way into the cultural consciousness of a broader audience.

Curatorial Insight and Collaboration

Historian and hairwork expert Karen Bachmann referred to Cohoon’s museum as “the Louvre of hairwork,” celebrating its exceptional variety and volume. In collaboration with Joanna Ebenstein, founder of Morbid Anatomy, Bachmann traveled to Missouri to help select pieces to be included in the Brooklyn exhibit. This process emphasizes the value of preserving historical art forms. The decision-making involved in selecting items for the exhibition extended beyond personal taste; it required an understanding of the cultural significance of the pieces, ensuring that viewers receive a well-rounded experience—one that honors their emotional resonance.

Ebenstein's Vision

Ebenstein articulated the goal behind the display: to create a microcosm in Brooklyn that reflects both the intricacy of Cohoon’s collection and the everyday significance of hairwork. This exhibit showcases a rich tapestry of pieces that illustrate how this form of artistry was woven into everyday life. At its core, hairwork manifests love, loss, and memory—universal themes that resonate across cultures and eras. If you're working in this space, understanding this intersection of art and emotion could inform your own creative practices.

The Logistic Challenges

To transport these cherished artifacts, Morbid Anatomy enlisted the help of Dave Herman, founder of the City Reliquary museum, and his wife, Shannon Herman. They meticulously packaged each piece for the journey to Brooklyn. Their departure coincided with ominous weather, tornado clouds swirling behind them—a fitting backdrop for the somber nature of the displayed hairwork. This scene paints a vivid picture of the care and reverence involved in bringing these artifacts back to life in a new setting.

The Future of Hairwork Exhibitions

Though there’s a bittersweet aspect to the dismantling of Leila’s Hair Museum, Evans expresses optimism about the future. "This collection will now be accessible to millions," she says, stressing that her grandmother’s legacy will continue through this exhibition. Evans believes her grandmother would have adored the Morbid Anatomy installation, as it closely resembles her original vision for the museum. “What she wanted most was for these pieces to be seen and appreciated,” she reflects. This sentiment highlights the enduring emotional resonance of hairwork and how these artifacts play a vital role in honoring the bonds we share with those we've lost.

Implications and Significance

This exhibition isn't just about nostalgia; it serves a broader purpose—creating a dialogue about mortality, memory, and the ways we choose to commemorate those we've lost. The recontextualization of hairwork not only educates but can spark reflection on modern practices of remembrance. As societies become increasingly fragmented, such collections remind us of the shared human experience of grief. They invite viewers to engage with their own stories while experiencing the artistry and care embedded in each piece.

The interplay of art and history found in this exhibition can transform how we view memory, prompting deeper conversations about cultural practices surrounding death. This isn’t just an exhibition about hair; it’s a poignant exploration of love, memory, and the resilience of the human spirit.